Leon Barretto

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities is celebrated every year on December 3rd. International Day of Persons with Disabilities helps raise awareness and promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was started in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution. Disability is part of being human. Almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life. According to the WHO World Report on Disability, 15 per cent of the world’s population, or more than 1 billion people, are living with disability.

Disability results from the interaction between individuals with a health condition such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome and depression as well as personal and environmental factors including negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation and public buildings, and limited social support. People with disability experience poorer health outcomes, have less access to education and work opportunities, and are more likely to live in poverty than those without a disability. Rates of disability are increasing, due to population ageing and the global increase in chronic health conditions.

Disability is a global public health issue, a human rights issue and development priority. Disabled persons have the right to economic and social security, including the right, according to their capabilities, to secure and retain employment or to engage in a useful, productive and remunerative occupation and to join trade unions. They have the same civil and political rights as other human beings. Also are entitled to the measures designed to enable them to become as self-reliant as possible. And shall be protected against all exploitation and treatment of a discriminatory, abusive or degrading nature. WHO recognizes that a world where all people attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being is only possible if health systems are inclusive of people with disability.